Pubdate: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n2044/a05.html CURRENT DRUG LAWS ARE A BUST The hazardous marijuana grow operations mentioned in your Dec. 9 article are a direct result of marijuana prohibition, not the plant itself. Legitimate farmers do not grow produce in the basements of rented homes. Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a cost-effective alternative to the failed drug war. There is a big difference between condoning marijuana use and protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana use and frees users from the stigma of life-shattering criminal records. What's really needed is a regulated market with enforceable age controls. Right now kids have an easier time buying pot than beer. More disturbing is the manner in which marijuana's black market status exposes users to sellers of hard drugs. Marijuana may be relatively harmless compared to legal alcohol -- the plant has never been shown to cause an overdose death -- but marijuana prohibition is deadly. As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime, consumers will continue to come into contact with hard drugs like cocaine. Robert Sharpe Program Officer The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation Washington (As we've said before, current drug laws are a bust) - --- MAP posted-by: Beth